Systems and methods for controlling a fuel pump

ABSTRACT

A method of controlling a fuel pump includes receiving a first set of data characterizing an audible activation word including a first voice pattern. Control of the fuel pump is authorized in response to the first voice pattern matching a stored voice pattern within a database. A second set of data characterizing an audible command word is received, where the audible command word includes a second voice pattern. The fuel pump is controlled based on the audible command word in response to the second voice pattern matching the stored voice pattern within the database.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/075,347, filed Oct. 20, 2020, the contents of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for controllinga forecourt of fuel pumps, and more specifically, to systems and methodsfor controlling a forecourt of fuel pumps using audible commands.

BACKGROUND

Forecourt fuel systems are used to authorize the dispensing of fuel intotransportation vehicles. The fuel is dispensed through fuel pumpsfluidly coupled to a large fuel tank. A forecourt can contain multiplefuel pumps, which each fuel pump having to be controlled by theforecourt controller. In order to activate a fuel pump, a user mustmanually activate the pump through a physical interface, where the userneeds to identify the correct fuel pump on a forecourt controller andthe amount of fuel to be dispensed, for example, a gas stationattendant. For each separate fuel dispensing process, the user mustcorrectly enter the information through the physical interface. In someinstances, for example, a very busy timeframe at the forecourt, the userwill have to manually enter each fuel dispensing process one at a time.

Not only can this process be cumbersome and inefficient, there may belittle to no security around the physical interface. This could allow anunauthorized user to access the physical interface to activate anunauthorized fuel dispensing process and multiple pumps within theforecourt.

SUMMARY

In general, systems and methods for controlling fuel pumps arrangedwithin a forecourt using audible commands are provided.

In one aspect, a method is provided and includes receiving a first setof data characterizing an audible activation word including a firstvoice pattern. Control of at least one fuel pump from a plurality offuel pumps is authorized in response to the first voice pattern matchinga stored voice pattern within a database, in which each of the pluralityof fuel pumps is communicatively connected to a forecourt controller. Asecond set of data characterizing an audible command word is received,where the audible command word includes a second voice pattern. The atleast one fuel pump is controlled based on the audible command word inresponse to the second voice pattern matching the stored voice patternwithin the database.

In other aspects, the method can further receiving a third data setcharacterizing an audible termination word including a termination wordand a third voice pattern, comparing the third voice pattern of theaudible termination word to the database, and terminating theauthorization control of the at least one fuel pump in response to thethird voice pattern matching the stored voice pattern within thedatabase. The authorization control of the at least one fuel pump canterminate after a predetermined time.

In other aspects, the database can be wirelessly connected to the atleast one fuel pump. The database can include a plurality of storedvoice patterns. The stored voice patterns can be previously recordedactivation words and command words that each correspond to a differentuser.

In other aspects, the method can include receiving a third data setcharacterizing an audible emergency word, comparing the audibleemergency word to a stored emergency word within the database, anddisabling the at least one fuel pump in response to the audibleemergency word matching the stored audible emergency phrase within thedatabase.

In other aspects, the method can include receiving a third data setcharacterizing an audible emergency word including an emergency word anda third voice pattern; comparing the third voice pattern of the audibleemergency word to the database, and activating an emergency procedure inresponse to the third voice pattern matching the stored voice patternwithin the database. The emergency procedure can include terminatingoperation of a fuel pump closest to a location where the third data setwas received, terminating operation of any active fuel pumps within theforecourt, and/or announcing an audible emergency signal.

In other aspects, the audible command word can be a predetermined wordstored within the database. The audible command word can activate the atleast one fuel pump and/or controls the at least one fuel pump todispense a specific amount of fuel. A plurality of audible command wordscan be received during the authorization control of the at least onefuel pump. The stored voice pattern can correspond to a voice pattern ofa user.

In another aspect, a system is provide and includes a forecourtcontroller, a database, a voice recognition controller, and an audiosensor. The forecourt controller is configured to activate at least onefuel pump of a plurality of fuel pumps based on an audible command wordincluding a voice pattern. The database is communicatively connected tothe forecourt controller and configured to contain a plurality of storedvoice patterns. The voice recognition controller is communicativelyconnected to the forecourt controller and configured to compare thevoice pattern of the audible command word to the plurality of storedvoice patterns. The audio sensor is communicatively connected to thevoice recognition controller and configured to receive the audiblecommand word from a user. The at least one fuel pump is activated inresponse to the voice pattern of the audible command word matching atleast one of the plurality of stored voice patterns.

In other aspects, the database can be wirelessly connected to theforecourt controller. The at least one fuel pump can be activated inresponse to the voice pattern of the audible command word matching atleast one of the plurality of stored voice patterns. The system canfurther include a second audio sensor arranged proximate to the at leastone fuel pump and configured to receive an audible emergency word.

In another aspect, a system is provide and includes a plurality of fuelpumps arranged in the forecourt, a forecourt controller, a database, avoice recognition controller, and an audio sensor. The plurality of fuelpumps are arranged in the forecourt. The forecourt controller iscommunicatively connected to each fuel pump of the plurality of fuelpumps. The database is communicatively connected to the forecourtcontroller and configured to contain a plurality of stored voicepatterns. The voice recognition controller is communicatively connectedto the forecourt controller. The audio sensor is communicativelyconnected to the voice recognition controller. The system is configuredto: receive a first set of data characterizing an audible activationword including a first voice pattern; authorize control of at least onefuel pump of the plurality of fuel pumps in response to the first voicepattern matching a stored voice pattern within a database; receive asecond set of data characterizing an audible command word, wherein theaudible command word includes a second voice pattern; and control the atleast one fuel pump based on the audible command word in response to thesecond voice pattern matching the stored voice pattern within thedatabase.

In other aspects, the system can further include a second audio sensorarranged proximate to the fuel pump and configured to receive an audibleemergency word. The authorization control of the at least one fuel pumpcan terminate after a predetermined time.

Non-transitory computer program products (i.e., physically embodiedcomputer program products) are also described that store instructions,which when executed by one or more data processors of one or morecomputing systems, causes at least one data processor to performoperations herein. Similarly, computer systems are also described thatmay include one or more data processors and memory coupled to the one ormore data processors. The memory may temporarily or permanently storeinstructions that cause at least one processor to perform one or more ofthe operations described herein. In addition, methods can be implementedby one or more data processors either within a single computing systemor distributed among two or more computing systems. Such computingsystems can be connected and can exchange data and/or commands or otherinstructions or the like via one or more connections, including aconnection over a network (e.g. the Internet, a wireless wide areanetwork, a local area network, a wide area network, a wired network, orthe like), via a direct connection between one or more of the multiplecomputing systems, etc.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A brief description of each drawing is provided to more sufficientlyunderstand drawings used in the detailed description of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a forecourt control system according toone embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a method of activating a fuel pump using awake word, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a method of authorizing a fuel pump toreceive a string of commands according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a method of terminating the authorizationof the fuel pump shown in FIG. 3 , according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a method of an emergency procedureaccording to one embodiment; and

FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a computer system which can implementthe methods shown in FIGS. 2-5 .

It should be understood that the above-referenced drawings are notnecessarily to scale, presenting a somewhat simplified representation ofvarious features illustrative of the basic principles of the disclosure.The specific design features of the present disclosure, including, forexample, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes, willbe determined in part by the particular intended application and useenvironment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Forecourt fuel systems can be used to authorize the dispensing of fuelthrough individual fuel pumps arranged within the forecourt. The fuelpumps are in communication with a forecourt controller which authorizesthe fuel pumps to dispense fuel when an authorization signal is sent tothe forecourt controller. The forecourt controller can receive anauthorization signal in various forms, including, but not limited to, aninput through a physical interface or an audible input through an audiosensor. In the case of the audible input, the forecourt controller needsto verify from the audible signal the meaning of what the audible signalis trying to convey to the system, and whether the audible signal iscoming from an authorized user. The system can include determining bothwhat the audible signal is trying to convey to the system, and if theaudible signal is coming from an authorized user, by comparing the voicepattern of the audible signal to a plurality of stored commands andvoice patterns stored within a database in communication with a voicerecognition controller and the forecourt controller. The advantages ofan audible signal can include an increase in both efficiency andsecurity, since an authorized user can verbal give commands quicker thanthose same commands can be inputted via a physical interface, whileensuring only authorized users are inputting commands into the system.

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a forecourt control system 100. Theillustrated forecourt control system 100 includes a forecourt 102 havingfuel pumps 104A and 104B. The forecourt 102 can include a plurality offuel pumps or any type of dispenser. The fuel pumps 104A, 104B arecommunicatively connected to a forecourt controller 106 along connection103. The forecourt controller 106 includes a processer 108 and acomputer readable memory 110, and is used to control each individualfuel pump 104A, 104B within the forecourt 102. The forecourt controller106 is able to authorize the dispensing of fuel for each fuel pump 104A,104B. In some implementations, the forecourt controller 106 is a generalpurpose computer which is communicatively connected to the othercomponents of the forecourt control system 100.

In order for the forecourt controller 106 to activate the fuel pumps104A, 104B, the forecourt controller 106 needs to receive anauthorization signal from the voice recognition controller 112 or theuser input controller 114. While using the forecourt control system 100in a non-voice operation mode, a user can manually input variouscommands into the user input controller 114. An example of a manualentry can include a user selecting a specific fuel pump number and theamount of fuel to be dispensed by the fuel pump. This information can betransmitted to the forecourt controller 106, which then in turn canactivate the corresponding fuel pump in the forecourt 102. This manualentry signal can pass from the user input controller 114 through thevoice recognition controller via connections 107 and 113 to theforecourt controller 106.

In the event that a user can want to use the forecourt control system100 in a voice activation mode, the user can input an audible wake wordand command through the audio sensor 116. In some implementations, theaudio sensor 116 is a microphone arranged within close proximity to auser operating the forecourt control system 100 so that any audiblesignals can be picked up by the audio sensor 116. The audio sensor 116is communicatively connected to the voice recognition controller 112through connection 115, and the like. The audio sensor 116 may be activein a passive listening mode, where the audio sensor 116 is listening toevery word said by and to a user operating the forecourt control system100. However, the audio sensor 116 may only send a signal to the voicerecognition controller 112 if a specific wake word, command word,termination word, emergency word, etc. is picked up by the audio sensor116.

In some implementations, wake words may include generic words or phrasessuch as “activate” or “turn on”. Command words may include words orphrases such as “output” or “dispense fuel”. Termination words mayinclude words or phrases such as “end”, “terminate”, or “shut off”. Eventhough specific examples of words and phrases are given, it should beappreciated that various other words and phrases may be used in order tooperate the forecourt control system 100.

In the event that a specific wake word, command word, termination word,or emergency word is detected by the audio sensor 116, the audio sensor116 can record the specific word said and the voice pattern associatedwith the word. The audio sensor 116 can send this recording to the voicerecognition controller for analysis to determine if the user who statedthe wake word, command word, termination word, or emergency word isactually authorized to operate the forecourt control system 100. Inorder to determine if a user is properly authorized to operate theforecourt control system 100, the voice recognition controller 112 cancommunicate with a database 118 through connection 117 in order tocompare the voice pattern contained in the recorded word to a pluralityof pre-recorded and stored voice patterns. In some implementations,prior to an authorized user beginning to operate the forecourt controlsystem 100, the user can record multiple wake words, command words,termination words, emergency words, etc., where the user's voice patternfor each word or phrase can be recorded and stored in the database 118.So when an authorized user passes an audible input through the audiosensor 116 to the voice recognition controller 112, the voicerecognition controller 112 can compare the voice pattern in the audibleinput to every stored voice pattern within the database 118. If thevoice pattern of the audible input matches one of the stored voicepatterns within the database 118, then the voice recognition controllercan send an authorization command to the forecourt controller 106 inorder to operate one of the fuel pumps 104A, 104B.

The database 118 may be a hard drive located in close proximity to theforecourt, or may be a wireless database located in the cloud, which canbe continually updated with the voice patterns of new users being addedand the voice patterns of old users being removed. Additionally, all ofthe connections 103, 107, 113, 115, and 117 between the components ofthe forecourt control system 100 may be wired or wireless connections.

In some implementations, the forecourt control system 100 may furtherinclude a second audio sensor 120. The audio sensor 120 may be arrangedin close proximity to the fuel pumps 104A, 104B for the purpose ofdetecting an emergency word said by any person in or around theforecourt 102. For example, the audio sensor 120 may be directlyarranged on the fuel pump 104A and is in a passive listening mode forspecific emergency words, such as “fire” or “help”. Since theseemergency words are not user specific, the audio sensor 120 can bedirectly communicatively connected to the forecourt controller 106.However, the audio sensor 120 can be communicatively coupled to thevoice recognition controller 112 also.

Referring now to FIG. 2 , a method 200 of activating the fuel pumps104A, 104B using a wake word is depicted. The method 200 may include thefollowing steps, where each time a user wants to activate the fuel pumps104A, 104B, a new wake word and command word needs to be input into theaudio sensor 116 for each separate command.

Step 202 includes receiving a set of data characterizing an audible wakeword, where the audible wake word includes a voice pattern. The firstset of data is sent from the audio sensor 116 to the voice recognitioncontroller 112 for further analysis. The analysis includes determiningif a wake word was said, and if a wake word was said, was the wake wordsaid by an authorized user based on the voice pattern of the wake word.

Step 204 includes receiving a set of data characterizing an audiblecommand word, where the audible command word includes a voice pattern.Similar to the input of the wake word, a command word can follow thewake word substantially close in time, and in some implementations, inthe same phrase. For example, steps 202 and 204 can be represented inthe phrase “activate pump one for three gallons,” where “activate” isthe wake word and “pump one for three gallons” is the command word orphrase. Both the wake word and the command word can have separate voicepatterns analyzed by the voice recognition controller 112. This is toensure that a non-authorized user does not hijack the command word afteran authorized user has already stated the wake word. With both voicepatterns form the wake word and command word, the voice patterns areanalyzed by the voice recognition controller 112.

Step 206 includes controlling the fuel pump 104A, 104B based on theaudible command word in response to the voice pattern matching thestored voice pattern within the database 118. Once the voice pattern ofthe command word is matched to a stored voice pattern of an authorizeduser within the database 118, the authorization signal can be sent tothe forecourt controller 106 from the voice recognition controller 112.The forecourt controller 106 can then send an activation signal to thecorresponding fuel pump 104A, 104B within the forecourt 102.

Step 208 includes terminating the authorization control of the fuel pumpafter a predetermined time. When a wake word and a command word aredetected by the audio sensor 116, and both the wake word and commandword include voice profiles that match an authorized user's voiceprofile, the authorization of the corresponding fuel pump can terminate.For example, once fuel pump 104A is activated by an authorized useraudibly saying “activate pump one for three gallons,” the forecourtcontrol system will not recognize any additional commands stated afterthe command word of “pump one for three gallons”. Each individualcommand word must be preceded by an individual wake word. This isrepresented by an arrow connecting step 208 to step 202. In method 200,every time a user wants to authorize a fuel pump using a command word, awake word must also be used. In some implementations, if a wake word isaudibly stated by a user, the forecourt control system 100 can remain inan active listening state for a predetermined amount of time after thewake word is detected by the audio sensor 116. This is to compensate fora delay between a user activing the system and determining exactly whatcommand to input into the forecourt control system 100. If thepredetermined amount of time does pass from the detection of a wake wordwith no command word detected, the system can cancel the authorizationstarted by the wake word, and a wake word will need to be detected againprior to the voice recognition controller 112 authorizing a commandword.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , a method 300 of authorizing a fuel pump toreceive a string of commands is depicted. The method 300 depicts theforecourt control system 100 operating in a string-command mode, or a“rush period” where multiple commands can be given to the forecourtcontrol system 100 without the need for an individual wake word prior toeach command word.

Step 302 includes receiving a first set of data characterizing anaudible activation word including a first voice pattern. The activationword may be similar to a wake word, and can be unique to each user. Theactivation word is used to engage the rush period, where individual wakewords with each command will no longer be necessary. In someimplementations, the rush period can only last a predetermine time, orcan last indefinitely but must be ended with a termination word. Similarto when a wake word is detected by the audio sensor 116, when anactivation word is detected by the audio sensor 116, the audio sensor116 sends the data set including the activation word and thecorresponding voice pattern to the voice recognition controller 112.Once the data set is transferred to the voice recognition controller112, the voice recognition controller 112 can perform a comparisonanalysis with all the stored activation words and voice patterns storedwithin the database 118.

Step 304 includes authorizing control of a fuel pump 104A, 104B inresponse to the first voice pattern matching a stored voice patternwithin a database 118. If the voice pattern of the activation wordmatches a stored voice pattern stored in the database 118, a rush periodto initiate, where control of the fuel pumps 104A, 104B is authorizedwhere no individual wake word is required before command phrases.

Step 306 includes receiving a second set of data characterizing anaudible command word, and where the audible command word includes asecond voice pattern. Unlike the method 200, which can require a wakeword for each command word, method 300 only requires the activationword, and then multiple command words can be inputted by the user.However, even though multiple strings of commands can be input into theforecourt control system 100, each individual command word stillrequires a matching voice pattern of an authorized user. As each commandword in a string of command words is detected by the audio sensor 116, avoice pattern matching process is occurring for each command within thevoice recognition controller 112. A string of commands may berepresented by “pump one for two gallons, pump two for 4 gallons.” Inthis example, there are two command words/phrases, a command word forpump one and a command word for pump two. The forecourt control system100 can individually authorize both command words separately to ensurethat an authorized user inputted the commands. In the rush period, theforecourt control system 100 is passively listening for command words,but not wake words.

Step 308 includes controlling the fuel pump 104A, 104B based on theaudible command word in response to the second voice pattern matchingthe stored voice pattern within the database 118. In the event that acommand word is determined to be from an authorized user based on thevoice patterns, the forecourt controller 106 can authorize thecorresponding fuel pump 104A, 104B to activate and dispense theauthorized amount of fuel. This cycle between steps 306 and 308 cancontinue until the rush period ends based on a predetermined time limitor a termination word is inputted by an authorized user.

Referring now to FIG. 4 , a method 400 of terminating the authorizationof the fuel pump from the method 300 is depicted. The method 400 depictsa termination process of a rush period in the event that a user wants toend a rush period.

Step 402 includes receiving a data set characterizing an audibletermination word including a termination word and a voice pattern.Similar to wake words and command words, termination words areprerecorded words and voice patterns stored in the database 118 forauthorized users. While the forecourt control system 100 is in a rushperiod, an authorized user may input a termination phrase into the audiosensor 116.

Step 404 includes comparing the voice pattern of the audible terminationword to the database 118. To ensure that an authorized user isterminating the rush period, the termination word and its correspondingvoice pattern are compared to the stored voice patterns within thedatabase 118 by the voice recognition controller 112.

Step 406 includes terminating the authorization control of the fuel pump104A, 104B in response to the voice pattern matching the stored voicepattern within the database 118. If the voice pattern of the terminationword matches with a stored voice pattern, then the rush period can beterminated. From that point on, a single wake word will need to precedeeach individual command word in order to authorize a fuel pump 104A,104B, as represented in method 200 of FIG. 2 .

Referring now to FIG. 5 , a method 500 of an emergency procedure isdepicted. The method 500 depicts how the forecourt control system 100can react if an emergency event is detected by the audio sensors 116 or120.

Step 502 includes receiving a data set characterizing an audibleemergency word and/or a voice pattern. In some implementations, a voicepattern may not be required, but only the emergency word. In thisscenario, a bystander may notice an emergency situation in the forecourt102 prior to the authorized user, and the bystander might call out forhelp, or some other word or phrase usually associated with an emergencysituation. In some embodiments, there is a plurality of audio sensors120 arranged around the forecourt 102 so that an emergency word may bedetected in any location within the forecourt 102.

Step 504 includes comparing the audible emergency word and/or the voicepattern to a stored emergency word and/or voice pattern within thedatabase 118. As stated previously, the forecourt control system 100 ispassively listening to the surrounding area of the forecourt throughaudio sensors 116 and 120. Therefore, if a bystander or user audiblyinputs an emergency word into the audio sensors 116, 120, the voicerecognition controller 112 may compare the emergency word/phrase and/orvoice pattern against stored emergency words and voice patterns.

Step 506 includes disabling the fuel pump 104A, 104B in response to theaudible emergency word and/or voice pattern matching the stored audibleemergency phrase within the database 118. In the event that an emergencyword is detected by the audio sensors 116 and 120, and the emergencyword is verified by the voice recognition controller 112, then a disablesignal can be sent to the forecourt controller 106, so that theforecourt controller 106 can disable any active fuel pumps within theforecourt 102 in order to attempt to contain the emergency situation.

Step 508 includes terminating operation of a fuel pump 104A, 104Bclosest to a location where the emergency word of the data set wasreceived. Once the disable signal is sent from the forecourt controller106 to the fuel pumps 104A, 104B, the disable signal can be directed tothe fuel pump that is experiencing the emergency situation. For example,if a fire starts around fuel pump 104A, then the emergency word mayinclude a location of the emergency, or the audio sensor 120 arrangedclosest to fuel pump 104A detected the emergency word, informing thesystem of an emergency around fuel pump 104A. Step 510 includesterminating operation of any active fuel pumps within the forecourt 102.In some implementations, once the first disable signal is sent to thefuel pump closet to the emergency, then a secondary disable signal maybe sent from the forecourt controller 106 to the remaining fuel pumpswithin the forecourt 102 to aid in containing the emergency situation.Step 512 includes announcing an audible emergency signal within theimmediate area of the forecourt to inform bystanders and users of anemergency situation. The audible emergency signal can be out throughspeakers arranged about the forecourt 102.

In some implementations, the current subject matter can be configured tobe implemented in a system 600, as shown in FIG. 6 . The system 600 caninclude one or more of a processor 602, a memory 604, a storage device606, and an input/output device 608. Each of the components 602, 604,606 and 608 can be interconnected using a system bus 610. The processor602 can be configured to process instructions for execution within thesystem 600. In some implementations, the processor 602 can be asingle-threaded processor. In alternate implementations, the processor602 can be a multi-threaded processor. The processor 602 can be furtherconfigured to process instructions stored in the memory 604 or on thestorage device 606, including receiving or sending information throughthe input/output device 608. The memory 604 can store information withinthe system 600. In some implementations, the memory 604 can be acomputer-readable medium. In alternate implementations, the memory 604can be a volatile memory unit. In yet some implementations, the memory604 can be a non-volatile memory unit. The storage device 606 can becapable of providing mass storage for the system 600. In someimplementations, the storage device 606 can be a computer-readablemedium. In alternate implementations, the storage device 606 can be afloppy disk device, a hard disk device, an optical disk device, a tapedevice, non-volatile solid state memory, or any other type of storagedevice. The input/output device 608 can be configured to provideinput/output operations for the system 600. In some implementations, theinput/output device 608 can include a keyboard and/or pointing device.In alternate implementations, the input/output device 608 can include adisplay unit for displaying graphical user interfaces.

As set forth herein, a forecourt control system and method according toexemplary embodiments of the present disclosure includes a forecourtcontroller for activating fuel pumps, and a voice recognition controllerfor comparing voice patterns of audible input commands with stored voicepatterns within a database. Accordingly, the forecourt control systemsand methods according to the present disclosure can provide anefficiency gain by allowing a user to verbally input commands into theforecourt control system, while also providing additional security byensuring an authorized user is inputting the commands. The forecourtcontrol system and method according to the present disclosure can beused for various dispensing applications, distribution applications, orthe like.

The present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodimentsdescribed herein and can be embodied in variations and modifications.The exemplary embodiments are provided merely to allow one of ordinaryskill in the art to understand the scope of the present disclosure,which will be defined by the scope of the claims. Accordingly, in someembodiments, well-known operations of a process, well-known structures,and well-known technologies are not be described in detail to avoidobscure understanding of the present disclosure. Throughout thespecification, same reference numerals refer to same elements.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure.As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or”includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associatedlisted items.

The subject matter described herein can be implemented in analogelectronic circuitry, digital electronic circuitry, and/or in computersoftware, firmware, or hardware, including the structural meansdisclosed in this specification and structural equivalents thereof, orin combinations of them. The subject matter described herein can beimplemented as one or more computer program products, such as one ormore computer programs tangibly embodied in an information carrier(e.g., in a machine readable storage device), or embodied in apropagated signal, for execution by, or to control the operation of,data processing apparatus (e.g., a programmable processor, a computer,or multiple computers). A computer program (also known as a program,software, software application, or code) can be written in any form ofprogramming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, andit can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or asa module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in acomputing environment. A computer program does not necessarilycorrespond to a file. A program can be stored in a portion of a filethat holds other programs or data, in a single file dedicated to theprogram in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files thatstore one or more modules, sub programs, or portions of code). Acomputer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or onmultiple computers at one site or distributed across multiple sites andinterconnected by a communication network.

The processes and logic flows described in this specification, includingthe method steps of the subject matter described herein, can beperformed by one or more programmable processors executing one or morecomputer programs to perform functions of the subject matter describedherein by operating on input data and generating output. The processesand logic flows can also be performed by, and apparatus of the subjectmatter described herein can be implemented as, special purpose logiccircuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC(application specific integrated circuit).

Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, byway of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, andany one or more processor of any kind of digital computer. Generally, aprocessor can receive instructions and data from a read only memory or arandom access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are aprocessor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices forstoring instructions and data. Generally, a computer can also include,or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, orboth, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic,magneto optical disks, or optical disks. Information carriers suitablefor embodying computer program instructions and data include all formsof non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memorydevices, (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices); magneticdisks, (e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks); magneto opticaldisks; and optical disks (e.g., CD and DVD disks). The processor and thememory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logiccircuitry.

To provide for interaction with a user, the subject matter describedherein can be implemented on a computer having a display device, e.g., aCRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, fordisplaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device,(e.g., a mouse or a trackball), by which the user can provide input tothe computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide forinteraction with a user as well. For example, feedback provided to theuser can be any form of sensory feedback, (e.g., visual feedback,auditory feedback, or tactile feedback), and input from the user can bereceived in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input.

The techniques described herein can be implemented using one or moremodules. As used herein, the term “module” refers to computing software,firmware, hardware, and/or various combinations thereof. At a minimum,however, modules are not to be interpreted as software that is notimplemented on hardware, firmware, or recorded on a non-transitoryprocessor readable recordable storage medium (i.e., modules are notsoftware per se). Indeed “module” is to be interpreted to always includeat least some physical, non-transitory hardware such as a part of aprocessor or computer. Two different modules can share the same physicalhardware (e.g., two different modules can use the same processor andnetwork interface). The modules described herein can be combined,integrated, separated, and/or duplicated to support variousapplications. Also, a function described herein as being performed at aparticular module can be performed at one or more other modules and/orby one or more other devices instead of or in addition to the functionperformed at the particular module. Further, the modules can beimplemented across multiple devices and/or other components local orremote to one another. Additionally, the modules can be moved from onedevice and added to another device, and/or can be included in bothdevices.

The subject matter described herein can be implemented in a computingsystem that includes a back end component (e.g., a data server), amiddleware component (e.g., an application server), or a front endcomponent (e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface ora web browser through which a user can interact with an implementationof the subject matter described herein), or any combination of such backend, middleware, and front end components. The components of the systemcan be interconnected by any form or medium of digital datacommunication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of communicationnetworks include a local area network (“LAN”) and a wide area network(“WAN”), e.g., the Internet.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification andclaims, can be applied to modify any quantitative representation thatcould permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basicfunction to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a termor terms, such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are notto be limited to the precise value specified. In at least someinstances, the approximating language can correspond to the precision ofan instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout thespecification and claims, range limitations can be combined and/orinterchanged, such ranges are identified and include all the sub-rangescontained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.

Hereinabove, although the present disclosure is described by specificmatters such as concrete components, and the like, the exemplaryembodiments, and drawings, they are provided merely for assisting in theentire understanding of the present disclosure. Therefore, the presentdisclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. Variousmodifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art towhich the disclosure pertains from this description. Therefore, thespirit of the present disclosure should not be limited to theabove-described exemplary embodiments, and the following claims as wellas all technical spirits modified equally or equivalently to the claimsshould be interpreted to fall within the scope and spirit of thedisclosure.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A method, comprising: receiving, by a firstcontroller communicably coupled to a dispenser, first datacharacterizing a pattern of words acquired by a sensor communicablycoupled to the first controller, the pattern of words provided by a userof the dispenser; determining, by the first controller, an operatingstate of the dispenser based on the first data; generating, by the firstcontroller, control signals configured to cause the dispenser to operatein the determined operating state; and providing, by the firstcontroller, the generated control signals to the dispenser, which whenreceived by the dispenser cause the dispenser to operate in thedetermined operating state.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein thepattern of words includes at least one of an activation word associatedwith initiating operation of the dispenser, a command word associatedwith operating the dispenser, a termination word associated withterminating operation of the dispenser, or an emergency word associatedwith an emergency event present at the dispenser.
 23. The method ofclaim 21, further comprising determining an authorization status of theuser based on the pattern of words, wherein the authorization status ofthe user is determined based on matching a voice pattern of at least oneword in the pattern of words acquired by the sensor with a voice patternof at least one word included in a previously provided pattern of wordsassociated with the user and stored in a database communicably coupledto the first controller.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein responsiveto determining the authorization status of the user is an authorizeduser status, the operating state of the dispenser is determined to be anactive operating state.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein theauthorized user status is determined based on the pattern of wordsincluding at least one activation word associated with initiatingoperation of the dispenser and at least one command word associated withoperating the dispenser.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the atleast one command word is provided within a predetermined amount of timefor the dispenser to remain in the active operating state.
 27. Themethod of claim 26, wherein upon expiration of the predetermined amountof time, the dispenser enters an inactive operating state.
 28. Themethod of claim 24, wherein the authorized user status is determinedbased on the pattern of words including at least one activation wordassociated with initiating operation of the dispenser and a plurality ofcommand words, each command word associated with operating one or moredispensers including the dispenser.
 29. The method of claim 28, whereinthe active operating state is terminated based on a termination wordassociated with terminating operation of the dispenser or expiration ofa predetermined amount of time.
 30. The method of claim 21, wherein theoperating state of the dispenser is determined to be an inactiveoperating state responsive to the pattern of words including anemergency word associated with an emergency event present at thedispenser.
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the inactive operatingstate is determined based on determining the authorization status of theuser is an unauthorized user status.
 32. The method of claim 30, whereinthe first controller is further configured to generate control signalsto cause a speaker of the dispenser to generate an audible emergencysignal responsive to determining the operating state of the dispenser isin the inactive operating state.
 33. A system comprising: a dispenser; asensor; a database; and a controller communicably coupled to thedispenser, the sensor, and the database, the controller including a dataprocessor and a non-transitory memory device storing non-transitorycomputer readable instructions, which when executed by the dataprocessor cause the data processor to perform operations includingreceive first data characterizing a pattern of words acquired by thesensor, the pattern of words provided by a user of the dispenser;determine an operating state of the dispenser based on the first data;generate control signals configured to cause the dispenser to operate inthe determined operating state; and provide the generated controlsignals to the dispenser, which when received by the dispenser cause thedispenser to operate in the determined operating state.
 34. The systemof claim 33, wherein the pattern of words includes at least one of anactivation word associated with initiating operation of the dispenser, acommand word associated with operating the dispenser, a termination wordassociated with terminating operation of the dispenser, or an emergencyword associated with an emergency event present at the dispenser. 35.The system of claim 33, wherein the processor is further configured todetermine an authorization status of the user based on the pattern ofwords, wherein the authorization status of the user is determined basedon matching a voice pattern of at least one word in the pattern of wordsacquired by the sensor with a voice pattern of at least one wordincluded in a previously provided pattern of words associated with theuser and stored in a database communicably coupled to the firstcontroller.
 36. The system of claim 35, wherein responsive todetermining the authorization status of the user is an authorized userstatus, the operating state of the dispenser is determined to be anactive operating state.
 37. The system of claim 36, wherein theauthorized user status is determined based on the pattern of wordsincluding at least one activation word associated with initiatingoperation of the dispenser and at least one command word associated withoperating the dispenser.
 38. The system of claim 37, wherein the atleast one command word is provided within a predetermined amount of timefor the dispenser to remain in the active operating state.
 39. Thesystem of claim 38, wherein upon expiration of the predetermined amountof time, the dispenser enters an inactive operating state.
 40. Thesystem of claim 36, wherein the authorized user status is determinedbased on the pattern of words including at least one activation wordassociated with initiating operation of the dispenser and a plurality ofcommand words, each command word associated with operating one or moredispensers including the dispenser.
 41. The system of claim 40, whereinthe active operating state is terminated based on a termination wordassociated with terminating operation of the dispenser or expiration ofa predetermined amount of time.
 42. The system of claim 33, wherein theoperating state of the dispenser is determined to be an inactiveoperating state responsive to the pattern of words including anemergency word associated with an emergency event present at thedispenser.
 43. The system of claim 42, wherein the inactive operatingstate is determined based on determining the authorization status of theuser is an unauthorized user status.
 44. The system of claim 42, furthercomprising a speaker, wherein the first controller is further configuredto generate control signals to cause the speaker of the dispenser togenerate an audible emergency signal responsive to determining theoperating state of the dispenser is in the inactive operating state.